Jinmu Young Martyr Shrine

History & origins

Jinmuyoung was established in 1700, during the reign of King Sukjong, as a military garrison for the maritime defense of Ganghwa. In the late nineteenth century, however, during the period of the Byeongin Persecution and repeated clashes with foreign powers, it also came to be used as a place where Catholics were executed. Because Ganghwa was a strategic military point, persecution and international conflict converged there and brought heavy suffering to local believers.

On May 22, 1868, John Choe In-seo, Jang Chi-seon, a man identified as Mr. Park, and another identified as Mr. Jo were martyred at this site. Choe In-seo and Jang Chi-seon had helped Father Ridel escape to China during the persecution and sought contact with China in hopes of rescuing remaining Catholics, securing freedom of religion, and continuing evangelization. Their actions show that lay Catholics of the time did more than endure persecution; some actively risked themselves to protect the Church community.

The former site of Jinmuyoung lies in the area of present-day Ganghwa Catholic Church. The Diocese of Incheon has preserved the memory of the martyrs by establishing a commemorative space within the church grounds, and today the site is visited together with other martyrdom places in Ganghwa. Its transformation from a military garrison and execution ground into a place of prayer and remembrance makes it an important part of the Catholic history of Ganghwa.